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Aspen Flats Cabin (Chugach National Forest, AK)

Notice

Fee changes in effect. This facility will now charge the same fee year-round.

Apr 10, 2026 – Jan 1, 2027

Overview

Aspen Flats Cabin is a rustic cabin along the Upper Russian River of south-central Alaska. The rustic cabin has few amenities, but provides access to the great outdoors. There is great fishing in the adjacent Russian River and hiking and biking trails abound. Wildlife viewing is good in the area as well, though visitors should watch out for bears.

The site can be accessed by hiking, biking, skiing and horseback. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Dolly Varden and rainbow trout can be found in the Russian River. Fishing for salmon upstream of Russian River Falls is not permitted. Click here to learn more about Alaska Department of Fish & Game regulations. Sockeye and coho salmon run the river from June to September. The rivers in Alaska are extremely cold, so be prepared with dry clothing.

A variety of trails and unexplored areas exist near the cabin. Hikers and bikers can explore varying terrain, including muskeg, meadows and high-canopied forest along the 21-mile Russian Lakes Trail. The trail is closed year-round to motorized vehicles from Russian River Campground to Upper Russian Lake Cabin; the remainder of the trail, between Cooper Lake Road and Upper Russian Lake Cabin, is open to motorized vehicles only from Dec. 1 to April 30. There is a high avalanche hazard on Russian Lakes Trail in winter; learn about avalanche safety.

Facilities

The cabin has bunk space for six and a maximum occupancy of eight people. It is equipped with counter space, table, benches, a wood stove for heat. A splitting maul and hand saw are available. An outhouse is provided.

There is no electricity, potable water, mattresses, bedding, cooking utensils or cut firewood at the cabin. Visitors should bring sleeping bags and pads, cook stove, cooking gear and food. Water taken form the lakes or streams should be treated or boiled before consumption. All garbage and food must be packed out.

Natural Features

The cabin is south of the Sterling Highway on the Russian Lakes trail along the Russian River, between the Lower and Upper Russian Lakes. The surrounding area is flat to hilly with scattered spruce and cottonwood, and abundant mountain views.

A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area, including moose, black and brown bears and wolves. Abundant berries in the area ripen in late July through September. For information on access and regulations pertaining to this cabin, trail conditions, safety precautions and outdoor safety and ethics, please contact the Seward Ranger District.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Largest party: 8 people

Fees

Reservations can be made the day of arrival or up to 180 days in advance, for three consecutive days maximum per person from May 15 to Aug. 31. Only one change per reservation for all Alaska cabins is allowed. Change is defined as a modification to the start or end date of the reservation; after one change has been made, if additional changes are desired, the customer must cancel the current reservation and re-book the new dates. If you cancel a cabin reservation within 14 days of your scheduled arrival date, you will be charged the $10 service fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. No-shows, early departures, or cancellations after the scheduled arrival date are not entitled to a refund. Cancellations for single night use for Alaska cabins will not be assessed a service fee.

Directions

Access to the cabin is via the Russian Lakes Trail, 12 miles from the Russian Lakes Trailhead on Snug Harbor Rd. or 9 miles from the trailhead located in Russian River Campground To get to the cabin follow the short cabin access trail, off the main trail. Refer to USGS topographic maps Seward B8 and Kenai B1. Maps are available online or by calling the Seward Ranger District at 907-288-3178. Winter travelers need to be able to evaluate conditions and should be prepared for over-ice travel conditions. For current travel conditions call the Seward Ranger District at 907-288-3178. Motorized access is prohibited in the winter and summer. The trail is closed to horse/pack stock from April 1 to June 30. Learn more about the Russian Lakes Trail .

Stay Limit

Check in from 12 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

Ratings (10)

5 stars

4 stars

Annette I

Loop:Area Aspen Flats Cabin

Site:S05

Reviewed 2 months ago

On the river. Peaceful. Waterfowl. Sunny. Firewood. Outhouse. Loved it.

Jason d

Loop:Area Aspen Flats Cabin

Site:S05

Reviewed a year ago

The cabin was so well kept and had amazing views. It was nice being able to relax on my hike.

Steven W

Loop:Area Aspen Flats Cabin

Site:S05

Reviewed a year ago

I wish recreation.gov would show better pictures of the area...I wouldn't have packed a fly rod if I knew the river banks were so brushy

Kristofer V

Loop:Area Aspen Flats Cabin

Site:S05

Reviewed a year ago

Build a raft👍

justin h

Loop:Area Aspen Flats Cabin

Site:S05

Reviewed 3 years ago

I stayed at Aspen Flats for 4 nights. A lot of work has been done to the cabin lately. The windows/screens have been upgraded. There's been painting/varnishing and a bench. There are 2 saws and 2 axes. Everything was great, the cabin was much nicer than I expected. It's quite secluded and right on the river. What a great experience.

william G

Loop:Area Aspen Flats Cabin

Site:S05

Reviewed 4 years ago

Excellent cabin. The trial to the cabin was marked but the signage along the trail was pretty beaten up and hard to read at times and the trail was very overgrown. We could not find the saw at the cabin but there was a maul to split wood. Very beautiful and peaceful spot!

Adrienne D

Loop:Area Aspen Flats Cabin

Site:S05

Reviewed 4 years ago

Excellent cabin, great location, and this time, perfect weather. I love this cabin so much. I can't wait to go back.

Sarah R

Loop:Area Aspen Flats Cabin

Site:S05

Reviewed 4 years ago

Fantastic secluded cabin next to the river! Even butterflies! However it can not be seen from the main trail and is a little hike down from the trail with only 1 run down hard to read sign pointing to the turn off so if you miss it you’ll be hiking another 3 miles to the next cabin before you realize.

Brian W

Loop:Area Aspen Flats Cabin

Site:S05

Reviewed 5 years ago

Absolutely loved this cabin. Great location, newer cabin, windows open and have screens to keep the bugs out. River running by was good for dogs to play, wildlife coming by, ease of getting water. Clean, well-kept, comfortable. No chairs on the deck and just 1 small bench so bring a chair if you want more comfy seating. The area around the cabin is generally open so you can be less concerned a bear might sneak up on you. Lots of spawned-out salmon in the river this time of year. I would visit this cabin again!

Nathan P

Loop:Area Aspen Flats Cabin

Site:S05

Reviewed 5 years ago

Nicely refurbished. Same great location along upper Russian river.

Popularity

Very busy · 88%

Busiest in July, when about 88% of sites are booked. Based on 9 years of reservations.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

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Location